Recombinant Streptokinase

Recombinant Streptokinase produced in E.coli is a single non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 414 amino acids and having a molecular mass of approximately 47 kDa.

Specificity

Fully biologically active when compared to standard. The specific biological activity measured by the ability of fibrin lysis in agarose plate was found to be 80,000U/mg.

Endotoxin

Less than 1EU/mg of rSK as determined by LAL method.

Purity

>95% by SDS-PAGE and HPLC analyses.

Storage

This lyophilized preparation is stable for several weeks at 2-8°C, but should be kept at -20°C for long term storage, preferably desiccated. Upon reconstitution, the preparation is stable for up to one week at 2-8°C. For maximal stability, apportion the reconstituted preparation into working aliquots and store at -20°C to -70°C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Reconstitution

We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute in sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer containing 0.1% BSA to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Stock solutions should be apportioned into working aliquots and stored at <-20°C. Further dilutions should be made in appropriate buffered solutions.

Background

Antigen Description

Streptokinase is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococcus and is used as an effective and cheap clot-dissolving medication in some cases of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and pulmonary embolism. It belongs to a group of medications known as fibrinolytics, and works by activating plasminogen through cleavage to produce plasmin. The half life of streptokinase is 6 hours.